Limitarianism holds that it is immoral to have personal wealth above a certain level. Is this idea compatible with capitalism? Defenders of capitalism have argued that it is not, whereas those who want to move beyond capitalism have urged defenders of limitarianism to clear up this issue. This lecture argues that limitarianism is compatible with some forms of capitalism, and that it would help the debate about the most desirable socio-economic system if we provide more clarity on how these concepts are used.

This lecture was recorded by Professor Ingrid Robeyns on the 5th of November 2025 at Bernard’s Inn Hall, London

Professor Ingrid Robeyns works on issues in contemporary political philosophy and applied ethics, and holds the Chair in Ethics of Institutions at the Ethics Institute of Utrecht University. She specialises in applied and "non-ideal" ethics, interdisciplinary research, and developing normative frameworks and methods. Additionally, she is affiliated as a visiting professor at the Center for Analysis of Social Exclusion (CASE) at LSE.

The transcript of the lecture is available from the Gresham College website: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/limitarianism

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Limitarianism and Capitalism - Ingrid Robeyns

Gresham College Lectures

Limitarianism and Capitalism - Ingrid Robeyns